Our son has received 14 stem cell infusions over the past year.  This was split into two visits.  Each stem cell infusion contains between 10 to 15 million stem cells.  The stem cells were derived from donated umbilical cords while we were in China.  Since each umbilical cord only contains between 100,000 to 300,000 stem cells, Drew also had received nerve growth factor infusions.  The nerve growth factor was extracted from the cord serum and it's main purpose is to encourage the repair of neurons.  Also, the nerve growth factor aids the potential of the stem cells.  Whenever Drew would receive his stem cell infusion, it was always followed with the nerve growth factor infusion.

Stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood would fall into the adult stem cells category.  Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that are at least a few days old.  These two types of stem cells are derived from two completely different sources.  Most of the information we've researched largely pertains to umbilical cord stem cells.  However, we are keeping our eyes open on embryonic stem cells transfusions around the world.  Our biggest concern would be adverse side effects.

Stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood contain a large reservoir of hematopoietic stem cells.  Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined by their ability to form multiple cell types including neurons which is exactly what we were looking for!  Since umbilical cord stem cells are considered to be the most immature type of stem cell, they lack exterior protein markers (antigens), which means the host would not recognize the stem cells as foreign.  This means there are no incidences of graft vs. host disease.  I remember this was our greatest fear with proceeding forward with this treatment and we spent a long time scouring the Internet for adverse reactions to the treatment.

Welcome to our website, HopeForCP.org and we hope you have found it as useful as we had fun creating it.  With all the information in the world at your fingertips today my Wife and I found that much of the information about treatments/therapy/etc for children with Cerebral Palsy varies greatly in quality and presentation.  Medical journals we found with information on CP were great but intimidating to read and often too detailed for a person without a PhD.  Other websites with information written in layman terms were good but sponsored by law firms and not caregivers, therapists or those diagnosed with CP.

Our goals with this website are to:

• Educate family members who care for a loved one recently diagnosed with CP;
• Inform caretakers, parents, therapists and those with CP about various therapies, treatments and equipment
  
• Foster communication that results in better treatments and therapies
  
• Improve the quality of life for those living with CP

As a visitor to our site we ask that you help contribute in any way you can whether it be sharing your experiences, writing up or evaluating a piece of equipment that's worked for your daughter or son or inspire others to help.  If you're someone living with CP, taking care of someone with CP or want to help improve the lives of others with CP this website was created for you!

-Mike & Kristin Ricci